Maria Prieto Davo of Toronto, Canada, writes a food blog called Garlicster, dedicated to all things garlic. In other words, she doesn't mess around. Here's her recipe for a garlic martini. She pronounces it "delicious."

Maria Prieto Davo of Toronto, Canada, writes a food blog called Garlicster, dedicated to all things garlic. In other words, she doesn't mess around. Here's her recipe for a garlic martini. She pronounces it "delicious." (Via Flickr)

Garlic confit by Paula Willey of Baltimore: She simmers garlic in olive oil for an hour or two, then keeps the results in the fridge. How to use? "Spread it on toast. Mash it up and use it in dips, marinades, mashed potatoes. Spread it on a chicken before you roast it. Use it in sandwiches."

Garlic confit by Paula Willey of Baltimore: She simmers garlic in olive oil for an hour or two, then keeps the results in the fridge. How to use? "Spread it on toast. Mash it up and use it in dips, marinades, mashed potatoes. Spread it on a chicken before you roast it. Use it in sandwiches." (Via Flickr)

Mankind's love of garlic, part of the onion family, dates back to the Egyptian pyramids. Here are 17 examples of garlic's versatility -- a quality that will be in abundant display at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, held this year from July 26 to 28. More: Garlic, garlic, garlic